The SAU Tech Gym was host to a full court press Tuesday, but not because of a basketball game; instead, it was the site of the 2023 SAU Tech Job and Career Fair.
"When we started, we only had around 50 vendors and then, as of today, we had a lot that just showed up ready to be here -- ready to hire people," said Karmen House, program coordinator for workforce training at SAU Tech, at the event. "So we have, currently, right here, right now, over 60 vendors that are here. We have high schools that are starting to come in and I've seen a lot of the general public come in. So we're hoping for a great event. It's full of people right now."
House noted that local schools, as well as the general public were invited to attend.
"Hampton, Fordyce, Camden, Harmony Grove and Bearden will be here today, as well as all the high school career academies that come to Tech. They'll be a part of this event as well," she said. "I just want everybody to take advantage of this opportunity, because there's hundreds of jobs available. They're ready to hire today. I saw students filling out applications and turning them back in for a call next week."
Representatives of scores of companies offering jobs ranging from factory work in the defense industry to nursing home care were available to talk to students and applicants on Tuesday.
SAU Tech President Jason Morrison said that with the State of Arkansas's push towards job skills training and career and technical education, SAU Tech was primed to play a role.
"(It's) just a continuation of the role it's always played. You know, we're kind of a holistic institution. We provide career and technical, we provide workforce training, so those that may already be employed, industry seeking employment through some pre-employment training -- and we provide transfer education, because not only do you need people to fill the jobs in the (Highland Industrial) Park, but you're going to need teachers in the local schools. You're going to need nurses. You're going to need transfer education programs to feel that other kind of sector jobs," he said.
Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development Director James Lee Silliman said, "This is good exposure for the companies and businesses that are looking for potential employees and it's good exposure for those potential employees to see what's available. You know, career and technical education plays an integral part in that and SAU Tech can provide the educational opportunities and workforce training that's necessary for these type jobs."
Silliman also stated that the strong vendor presence was an indicator of the vibrant job market.
"We have jobs available and we need more people to fill those positions," he said. "So hopefully this will be like a matchmaker today and we'll match up some potential employees with potential employers today."